Growth performance and linear body measurements of Washera, Farta and their crossbreed sheep under farmers management system in Western Highland of Amhara Region

The study was conducted in Farta and Lay Gaint districts of the Amhara Region. Data collected from 2007 to 2010 was used to evaluate growth performance and to characterize phenotypically using linear body measurements of Washera, Farta and their crossbred sheep. The fixed effects considered in this study were breed, district, lamb sex, parity of the dam, birth or lambing season and year, birth type and management system. Performance data were analyzed using general linear model procedure of Statistical Analysis System while the correlation and regression of linear body measurements on body weight and participatory rural appraisal were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science. The least squares mean and standard errors of yearling weight for Washera, Farta and their crossbred sheep were 23.70±1.13kg, 20.08±0.73kg and 21.35±1.56kg, respectively; Whereas the averages daily gain from birth to 30 days for these sheep breeds were 84.79±4.65gm, 64.53±9.75gm and 82.21±5.61gm, respectively. Washera sheep breed has higher value for body weight; wither at height and pelvic width than Farta and crossbred sheep. Washera sheep was much better in growth performance and in linear body measurements followed by crossbred sheep.

Keywords:

Washera , Farta , Growth performance , Regression equation , Crossbreds